Inclinometer



Jan. 7, 1936. c w HUDLOW I 2,026,895

INCLINOMETER Filed Aug. 21. 1934 grave/whom Patented Jan. 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE INCLINOMZETER Clair W. Hudlow, Washington, D. C. 7

Application August 21, 1934, Serial No. 740,823

Claims. (Cl. 33-206) This invention relates to inclinometers and has for its object the simplification and improvement of the construction and operation of devices of this kind.

A further object is the provision of means whereby a pilot of an aeroplane may quickly and easily visualize his exact position with relation to the horizontal.

A further object is the provision of means whereby not only the degree of bank is indicated, but also the degree of climb or descent are simultaneously shown.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a reading of the following description in connection with the drawing, wherein, for the purpose of illustration, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of an inclinometer embodying the invention,

Figure 2 is a similar view partly broken away,

Figure 3 is a plan view and Figure 4 is a view of a detail of construction involved in the present embodiment of the invention.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown therein a suitable base I 0 to which are affixed preferably and as shown three short upright supporting members ll carrying cupshaped containers at their upper ends as indicated at [2 in each of which is loosely mounted a ball bearing l3. A hollowed out portion I0 is cut into the upper central part of the base l0 to allow clearance for a pendulum hereinafter to be referred to.

Resting upon the three balls [3 is a ball type pendulum [4 weighted as indicated at [5. The pendulum' I4 is coated with an anti-skidding material, preferably rubber, as shown at l6.

Resting upon and in frictional contact with the pendulum I 4 is a ball I! preferably formed of solid glass and having blown or otherwise formed upon its inside a miniature aeroplane l8.

Three comparatively high supporting members l9 affixed in the base It) as indicated at 20 are mounted at equidistant points around the pendulum l4 and ball H and are bent inwardly as shown at 2| and terminate in sockets 22 in each of which is mounted a ball bearing 23 which bearings are in supporting contact with the ball [1.

In operation it will be apparent that when' a plane carrying this device tips, for example to the right the base l5 of the pendulum l4 will move to the right also, thus causing the ball I! to move in the opposite direction due to its frictional contact with the upper end of the pendulum. This will cause the miniature aeroplane to assume, with respect to the pilot of the real aeroplane, a position which indicates to him 5 the actual angle at which the aeroplane is then travelling.

The same will, of course, be true of a climb or dive or, in fact, any other movement of the plane.

The device will be useful, also, in providing an artificial horizon when an actual horizon is not available.

While I have shown and described herein a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be definitely understood that I do not desire to limit the application of the invention thereto, but any change or changes may be made in the structure or arrangement within the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An inclinometer having a base, a series of V comparatively short upright supporting members attached thereto and having ball bearings extending from their upper ends, a ball-shaped pendulum adapted to rest in contact with the bearings, a ball-shaped indicator mounted in frictional contact with the pendulum directly over the pendulum and a series of comparatively long supporting members attached to the base and having ball bearings protruding from their downwardly extending upper ends in contact with the upper side of the indicator.

2. An inclinometer having a base, a series of comparatively short upright supporting members attached thereto and having ball bearings extending from their upper ends, a rubber coated ball-shaped pendulum adapted to rest in contact with the bearings, a ball-shaped indicator mounted in frictional contact with the pendulum and a series of comparatively long supporting members attached to the base and having ball bearings protruding from their downwardly extending upper ends in contact with the upper side of the indicator.

3. An inclinometer having a base, ,a series of comparatively short upright supporting members attached thereto and having ball bearings extending from their upper ends, a ball-shaped pendulum adapted to rest in contact with the bearings, a transparent ball-shaped indicator having the representation of an aeroplane in its interior mounted in frictional contact with the pendulum directly over the pendulum and a series of comparatively long upright supporting members attached to the base and having ballot bearings protruding from their downwardly extending upper ends and in contact with the upper side of the indicator.

4. An inclinometer having a base, a series of comparatively short upright supporting members attached thereto and having ball bearings extending from their upper ends, a ball-shaped pendulum coated with anti-skidding material and adapted to rest in contact with the bearings, a transparent ball-shaped indicator having the representation of an aeroplane in its interior mounted directly upon and over the pendulum and in frictional contact therewith and a series of comparatively long upright supporting members having downwardly extending upper ends carrying protruding ball hearings in their ex- 2,o2e,ees I tremities in contact with the upper side of the indicator.

5. An inclinometer having a base, a series or comparatively short upright supporting members attached thereto and having ball bearings extending from their upper ends, a rubber coated ball-shaped pendulum adapted to rest upon the bearings, a transparent ball-shaped indicator resting in frictional contact directly over the pendulum and a series of comparatively long upright supporting members having downwardly extending upper ends carrying protruding ball bearings in their extremities in contact with the upper side of the indicator.

CLAIR W. HUDLOW. 

